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Regenerative Braking

In a hybrid, deceleration is first done by running the traction motor as a generator: the wheels back-drive the motor, which converts kinetic energy to electricity stored in the HV battery, and the resulting counter-torque slows the car. Friction brakes only blend in for hard stops, low speeds, and the final few mph — which is why Prius pads can last well over 100k miles.